Microsoft Ignite is the largest conference of the year. It truly is the place where Microsoft can shine by showing off the latest and greatest throughout all of the suites of products, services and bringing the vast community together for a week of learning, collaboration and parties.
This year is expected to have over 20,000+ attendees plus sponsors and staff. It is sure to be one of the largest opportunities this year. If you have ever attended SPC or Ignite, you will know that it is a marathon to prepare for and you will want to be prepared.
Here are some tips to help you survive:
Badge Pick Up
Bage pick up will be available in several locations throughout the event. If you are flying into the Hartsfield Airport, you can pick up your badge on Sunday at the baggage claim. Badge pick up will also be happening at the Georgia World Conference Center. Picking up your badge at the airport tends to happen much quicker.
Drink Lots of Water
This conference is spread across three buildings A, B and C. You will be booking it across the different halls to try to get to sessions. On average, you will be getting more exercise throughout the day than we do at our desk. You will get dehydrated. The Sunday arrival day is expected to be 92 degrees F. This means hot and humid. Do not be the one that has to get helped to the water hole.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Where our usual goal is to try to reach 10,000 steps in a day, this conference will put this number to shame with the average person reaching 15,000 – 20,000 steps easily throughout the day. With the humid and hot weather, plan on also brining a pair of slightly larger shoes. The conference and expo hall floors are often just carpet laid on top of concrete. Your feet are going to hurt, so take care of them early on.
Party Badges
If you are planning on attending any of the multiple parties that are happening this year, make sure to stop by the sponsor booths early to pick up your badges as they will often run out.
I work for one of the companies sponsoring a large party, please do not ask me to get you wristband. I hope that everyone can attend, but I am not able to give special treatment out to anyone. Please be responsible and come visit our booth if you would like to attend.
Come and have a great time. This year is going to be amazing! See you there.